Since the weeks of summer practice just over a month ago, Eagles football has been resolved on a 2013 season that will reward their hard work. With new players and coaches already in the ranks, spirit is running high.

“The difference about this year is that we have a bond that no other team has,” junior Sami Fakalolo said. “We are a family. And because of that reason we work hard as a family and nobody gets left behind.”

Sami is one of the key players on the team, playing defensive lineman and stopping attacks from the opposing team’s offense. The team is boasting a stronger defense this year, with a surfeit of both new and experienced players. One such experienced player is senior Dakota Kratzer, who plays a large part on both offense and defense.

“I try to help the other captains lead the team,” Dakota said. “I also help anchor the defensive line along with Phillip Almeda and Sami.”

The team’s offense has improved as well. With new additions such as seniors Duke Myers and Max Wilber, the team has grown to be a formidable force. Both Duke and Max play important roles on the team, with Max playing tight end and Duke playing a number of offensive roles.

“Our new coaches have found a way to use us to our full potential,” Max said. “They brought a sense of team chemistry and has really made our team feel like a family.”

However, with over 200 potential plays to learn, the Eagles still have plenty to work on. During a day of normal practice, skilled position players, such as receivers, start as early as the beginning of seventh period to come and warm up on the field. After seventh period ends, the entire team groups together for their daily stretches. When general warm-up is over, players are split into offensive or defensive teams based on their positions. Near the end, players all come together in order to run certain plays against each other.

When the Eagles played Burton High School in a home game and won, their aggression proved to be the deciding factor in the victory. After the first hit, the Eagles got the ball back and scored what was to be the first of many touchdowns. From there on, they surged ahead to a crushing 61-0 win. Despite early success over Burton, Overfelt and Mountain View High School, the Eagles still occasionally struggle to concentrate.

“There are certain days where people seem to lose focus and then we go back to our 0-10 team” senior Victor Ruiz said. “We [don’t] get as much done that day than [what] we should have.”

The mental strength of the Eagles is a key part of their game and constitutes one of many components that is necessary for a win. Although the Eagles have had a couple rough practices, they’ve grown closer, and stronger, as a team.

“We’ve got a couple low points at practices and stuff, but we competed in the games and it just made it all go away” Duke said.

With their increased confidence and aggression this year, the Eagles have been 3-0 this season, having defeated Burton, Overfelt and Mountain View High School.